Thursday, March 24, 2022 – Photo of the Day – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

THURSDAY, 24 MARCH 2022 JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA Arrival: 8:00AM Overnight stay
TODAY’S WEATHER Partly Cloudy High: 83°F 28°C Low: 67°F 19°C
DRESS CODE: CASUAL
For Ladies: DRESSES OR BLOUSES AND PANTS
For Gentlemen: SPORT SHIRTS AND SLACKS
No shorts or flip flop type footwear after 6:00 PM in indoor venues

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – “THE BRIDE OF THE RED SEA”
The principal gateway to Mecca, Jeddah’s spiritual roots are very deep. Eve, the mother of mankind, is said to be buried in the city center (although skeptics claim there is no actual proof), while archeological excavations in the old city suggest evidence of pre-Islam (700 BC) activity. Regrettably, only scant vestiges of historical Jeddah remain a reason why UNESCO deemed the city a World Heritage Site in 2014.

An interesting by-product of Jeddah’s location as a major port on the Red Sea and proximity to Mecca (around 100 km) is that Muslims from all over the world flock to the city. This has given Jeddah a very cosmopolitan feel, unlike other parts of Saudi Arabia. The 19th-century Red Sea architecture is unique in its kind.

The Beachside offers much. Jeddah’s dive sites are among the best in the world while the laid-back approach is appealing to westerners. However, while the city might well be more open than other ports in the Kingdom, it is still Saudi Arabia, and when in doubt, visitors – especially women – should err on the side of modesty when it comes to beachwear. The Promenade Drive is among the world’s best.

Traditionally, the city is rich. The souk in the heart of the old town is, of course, a must-see during your visit, offering everything from amazing architecture to bargains galore. The area is also home to the oldest mosque in Jeddah, built in the 17th century but renovated in 2012. Local delicacies range from fabulously fresh seafood to the ubiquitous kebab, so foodies will have much to tease their palettes with.

TAIF, THE ‘CITY OF ROSES’
Taif is located approximately 6,562 feet (two kilometers) above sea level. The suburbs of Taif and its valleys, Huda, al Shafa, al Gadeerayan, and Wadi Mahram, are renowned for their prized roses, which create more revenue for Taif than the cultivation of vegetables and crops.

SIGHTS
• Al Balad Historic District
• King Fahd’s Fountain
• Jeddah Waterfront
• Fakieh Aquarium
• Al Rahma Mosque
• Taif, the ‘City of Roses’

Today’s Schedule

GOOD MORNING
7:00 Morning Walk (signup required) with Personal Trainer Nemanja Jogging Track (9)
8:00 Silver Whisper is scheduled to dock in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Once the vessel has been cleared by local authorities, your Cruise Director Fernando will give weather and gangway location information
8:00 Pathway to Yoga with Personal Trainer Nemanja Aerobics Room (10)
8:30 Today’s Silver Quiz & Sudoku are available on request. Please ask at reception Reception (5)
(return the Silver Quiz to Reception by 3:00pm prize points for the first, most accurate quiz received)
9:00 Shuffleboard is available for your enjoyment throughout the day (unhosted – until 7:00pm) Shuffleboard Court (10)
10:00 The Library is open with a selection of books. (When returning books please place in the drop box not back on the shelves) Library (8)
10:00 Board Games are available on request – please ask at reception Reception (5)
GOOD AFTERNOON
2:00 Cards & Board Games are available on request – please ask at reception Reception (5)
2:00 Bridge Play with your fellow Guests (unhosted) Conference Room (7)
4:00 Afternoon Teatime: music by Cocktail Pianist Remon The Bar (5)
4:00 Fab Abs Class with Personal Trainer Nemanja Aerobics Room (10)
5:30 Golf Putting Challenge with The Voices of Silversea. Prize points to be won! Lobby (4)
GOOD EVENING – DRESS CODE: CASUAL
6:30 Cocktail Pianist Alex and Piano Vocalist Remon captivate you with their beautiful music The Bar (5)
6:30 The Whisper Trio entertains you while you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail Panorama Lounge (8)
7:00 Solo Travellers – Get Together with fellow guests and Gentlemen Hosts David and Tom Panorama Lounge (8)
9:15 The Whisper Trio plays for your listening and dancing pleasure Panorama Lounge (8)
9:30 Cocktail Pianist Alex and Piano Vocalist Remon play enchanting melodies for your listening and dancing pleasure The Bar
9:30 Big Screen Movie: “The Good Liar” 2019 | R | 2h04min | Thriller/Crime The Show Lounge (6)
Director: Bill Condon; Stars: Helen Mirren; Ian McKellen; Russell Tovey; Jim Carter
10:00 Resident DJ Gabor with your dancefloor favorites into the late evening Panorama Lounge (8)

Morning Excursion – Highlights of Jeddah

We saw the highlights of Old Jeddah during a picturesque, half-day sightseeing tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jeddah, Al Balad, Old Jeddah, Guided Walking Tour

We departed the pier for the scenic 30-minute drive to the city of Jeddah the commercial center of Saudi Arabia. Located on the Red Sea in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is the largest city in both the Makkah Province and Hejaz, and the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital, Riyadh.

Upon arrival, we took a guided walking tour of the Historic District of Jeddah a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its architecture, narrow alleyways, open squares, uniquely-designed doors, Roshan windows, and marketplace, Old Jeddah resembles an interactive, open-air museum of sorts.

Old Jeddah Wall, Open Squares, Historic Houses

During our walking tour, we interacted with locals and pass by monuments, heritage buildings, the remnants of the Old Jeddah Wall, and historic open squares such as Al-Mazloom, Al-Sham, Al-Yemen, and Al-Bahr Haras. Old Jeddah is also home to more than 400 historic houses dating from 100-to 1,400 years old. Houses to be seen include the expansive Baeshen House, Noor Wali House, 400-year-old Matbouli House, Al-Subai’I House, former headquarters of court in the Saudi rule, Jamjoom House, the largest of the historical houses found here, and Batterjee House, the former head office of the American Embassy.

Souk, Jeddah Corniche, Photo Stop, Red Sea, Pavilions, Sculptures, King Fahd’s Fountain

A brief shopping stop is made at a souk in Old Jeddah to browse for local souvenirs. Afterward, we re-boarded our coach and proceeded for a drive along the panoramic Jeddah Corniche, also known as the Jeddah Waterfront an approximately 18.6-mile coastal resort area along the Red Sea. The Corniche features a coastal road with spectacular views overlooking the sea, along with recreation areas, pavilions, large-scale civic sculptures, and King Fahd’s Fountain, the highest fountain in the world.